DM-Camris' REIGN of WINTER Part 2: The Shackled Hut (Inactive)

Game Master Camris

Arwyn will pace herself, making sure that the whole Company arrives together.

Without any geographical knowledge, and fully aware of her survival skills (...), Ten-Penny decides that it might be best to stick with Arwyn and the rest.

"Gondork! I will NOT scrape you together if we find you dying on the barn floor when we arive! Just so you know!" she yells as he dashes off into the distance.

Yeah, might be better to stick together. If possible, I'd like to throw some buffs right now. At least one channel, and a Barkskin for Arwyn.

Arwyn, wait up! Let's be careful, okay? We keep running into dangerous situations, let's prepare first."

With that, he casts a Barkskin on Arwyn.

"And while I'm at it, let's not run into combat half-dead, right?"

Channel energy: 2d6 ⇒ (4, 6) = 10

Arwyn nods her gratitude to Giacomo.

*Runs ahead*

racing over to the barn mostly together, and healed up a bit. buffed by giacomo. and for good measure caladan throws up another bless as you approach.
(Nadya asks the lady and her children to watch over Orm and Mjoli and then catches up)

the outside of the barn looks pretty beaten up, the doors in shambles. you can see through them into the barn and see a young faun tied up to a support beam, a quickling you presume to be Zzababa and the twigjack from before.

Hearing the crunchy platemail rushing up to the door, Zzababa cuts the fauns bonds with a dagger and presses it into his hands, saying something in sylvan. he barks something short back, you can only guess he's refusing something.

She draws a rapier, and turns to Gondork rushing to the doorway, shouting a quickling battlecry.

[ round 1 ]
[24: zzababa], [24: ten-penny], [21: arwyn], [18: gondork], [17: twigjack], [14: giacomo], [8: faun], [5: nadya], [3: caladan]

for info about Fauns:
This capricious figure has the upper torso, arms, and head of a man, but goatlike legs, a tail, and curling horns on his head.

Knowledge:Nature: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

Focusing on the Quickling, Arwyn moved up and fired at Zzababa with a cold iron arrow.
composite shortbow attack: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27 for a possible 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6 piercing cold iron damage.

(6 cold iron piercing to zzababa)
zzababa spring attacks, darting forward to slash at gondork, missing, and then zipping further to the back of the barn.

rapier: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 131d4 + 1d6 ⇒ (2) + (2) = 4 plus cold: 1d6 ⇒ 6

terrain note: inside, the hay in the stalls is difficult terrain, outside: the white snowy squares are difficult terrain.

If I'm correct, Feather Step is still in effect. If not, please tell me.

"The Faun refuses to fight us, focus on the little critters!"

Ten-Penny rushes forth, drawing a Short Sword and a Dagger. Once in the barn, she throws the dagger at T, hoping it is still shocked from the sudden combat.

Dagger: 1d20 + 9 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (18) + 9 + 1 - 2 = 26 for 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3 and 2d6 ⇒ (1, 4) = 5 sneak
Debilitating Injury set at Bewildered: -2 AC, -4AC if Ten-Penny attacks him, till the beginning of Ten-Penny's next turn.

aye he's flat footed, and yep, you've still got feather step up for this combat

(8 dmg to the twigjack)

Gondork silently walks up to the twigjack and attempts to finish it, cursing when he misses again.

Attack, CI B. Axe, PA: 1d20 + 7 + 1 - 2 - 1 ⇒ (4) + 7 + 1 - 2 - 1 = 9

alarmed, the twigjack sends a spray of splinters, catching ten-penny and gondork. ten-penny manages to make a gondork-shaped-mimicry stance, as gondork catches it all in the face.
(12 dmg to gondork, ten-penny evades)

the little twigjack then tries to run back, jumping on top of gondork's axe, and then tumbling away nimbly

fwiw: on his action the faun stands up and grabs the dropped dagger

[ round 1 ]
[24: zzababa], [24: ten-penny], [21: arwyn], [18: gondork], [17: twigjack], [14: giacomo], [8: faun], [5: nadya], [3: caladan]

Giacomo walks up to Arwyn and casts Shield of Faith on her.

caladan and nadya double move into the barn, mace and bow out respectively

zzababa waits in the back.
you'll likely translate as she goes, so i'll just post w/o spoilers.
"We did this for you Garen! Give up on your weak humanity!"

[ round 2 ]
[24: zzababa (delay) ], [24: ten-penny], [21: arwyn], [18: gondork], [17: twigjack], [14: giacomo], [8: faun], [5: nadya], [3: caladan]

To Garen:"You're mother asked us to save you, Garen! Do not listen to them! Do not let them tell you who you are!"

Ten-Penny then rushes through the hay, drawing her second Short Sword along the way, and thrusts straight into T.

Short Sword Charge: 1d20 + 10 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 10 + 1 + 2 = 31 for 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

Focusing on the Quickling, Arwyn deliberately moved up and fired at Zzababa with a cold iron arrow point blank.
composite shortbow attack: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 9 + 1 = 13 for a possible 1d6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 2 + 1 = 7 piercing cold iron damage.

Gondork walks up and around the twigjack (provoking an aoo if he has reach).

Oh no! You're not getting away this time, spineless twig!

Attack roll, CI B.axe, PA, Bless, Flank: 1d20 + 7 - 2 - 1 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 7 - 2 - 1 + 1 + 2 = 10

(8 dmg to twigjack)

he does have reach with his spear. despite being tiny! he needs a 20 to hit you... but that's a different story...
spear: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

zzababa zips in, taking advantage of the flank, and both she and the twigjack sneak attack ten-penny. then zzababa zips out the back door out of sight. the twigjack, having readied, can only five ft shift out of the flank.

twigjack: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 2 = 81d4 + 2d6 ⇒ (2) + (6, 3) = 11 plus cold: 1d6 ⇒ 4
zzababa: 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 10 + 2 = 261d4 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + (5) = 6 plus cold: 1d6 ⇒ 3
(9 dmg to ten-penny)

[ round 2 ]
[24: ten-penny], [21: arwyn], [18: gondork], [17: twigjack], [17: zzababa], [14: giacomo], [8: faun], [5: nadya], [3: caladan]

Giacomo readies a Burst of Radiance on Zzbaba when it enters the barn again.

Reflex 14 for blinded or dazzled for 1d4 rounds, and 4d4 damage if he's evil, no save. I'll try to aim it so that Gondork is out of the blast radius.

forgot to put the 5ft step on the map. you may be able to try and get the twigjack too. it seems to be trying to get closer to the cold so it can start fast-healing.

the faun seems conflicted, but takes out his pipes, and starts playing a melody
twigjack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

nadya fires a shot at the twigjack
longbow: 1d20 + 5 + 1 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (14) + 5 + 1 + 1 - 4 = 171d8 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 + 1 = 4

caladan takes the charge lane down the aisle to smash at the twigjack
morningstar, charge, bless: 1d20 + 6 + 2 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (10) + 6 + 2 + 1 - 1 = 181d8 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 2 = 6
aaah, too bad it wasn't debilitated this turn

[ round 3 ]
[24: ten-penny], [21: arwyn], [18: gondork], [17: twigjack], [17: zzababa], [14: giacomo], [8: faun], [5: nadya], [3: caladan]

try #2, readying an attack for when in flank with 10p

Let's sandwich this rotten stick!

Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21
Damage: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

Seeing as that T has deceptive reach for something so small, Ten-Penny decides to tumble around him. Then, when in flank, she suddenly thrusts forward with her Short Sword.

Tumble: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (3) + 11 = 14
Short Sword: 1d20 + 10 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 10 + 1 + 2 = 24 for 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8 and 2d6 ⇒ (1, 3) = 4 sneak
Dibilitating Injury set at Bewildered: -2 to AC, -4 if Ten-Penny tries to stab him, till the beginning of Ten-Penny's next turn.

"Gondork! Take it out while I distract it!"

Edit: I see our posts crossed, Gondork. Since I'm first in the Initiative, you do not need to move and ready. I just move into flank with you. Then you move after you decapitate it or something.

Turning her attention to the Twigjack, Arwyn deliberately moved up and fired at it with a cold iron arrow point blank.
composite shortbow attack: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 9 + 1 = 30 for a possible 1d6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 2 + 1 = 6 piercing cold iron damage.
...Crit confirm?: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 9 + 1 = 28 for a possible extra 2d6 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (4, 2) + 4 + 2 = 12 piercing cold iron damage.

ten-penny deftly dodges its spear and moves into flank, her short sword deeply wounding the twigjack, but not knocking it off its feet. Arwyn's shot shatters its skull into splinters
(12 dmg from ten-penny to twigjack)
(18 dmg from arwyn to twigjack)

Seeing the twigjack fall to splinters, gondork moves over by the door, readying for Zzababa to spring attack in again, and brings his battleaxe in for a deep wound as she does.
(ac 21 misses, but you're just not including the bless this round. so 12 dmg from gondork to zzababa)

Seeing her tactics fail, but a bit invigorated by the cold, Zzababa zips in to take one final swing at ten-penny before leaving, and receives an axe to the gut, throwing off her aim horribly. she stumbles a bit, but takes off into the forrest, not looking back.
"You'll regret this Garen. You'll pay for this treachery someday."
rapier: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 111d4 ⇒ 2 plus cold: 1d6 ⇒ 4

after its clear that she's gone and not coming back to the frey, Garen comes up to you and asks, "Is it true? Did, did my mother ask you to save me? Thank you, whoever you are. I'm Garen."

you have some time to introduce yourselves, and pick up some things Zzababa was in too much of a rush to take with her when she left:

treasure worth 500gp

various coins and small jewelry pieces ( garen explains the fey waylaid travelers )

Maret ( the mother ) rewards you with a fine furred hat

Ushanka of the Northlands

Aura faint abjuration; CL 5th
Slot head; Price 4,500 gp; Weight —

This large, furry hat is sewn from the thick pelt of an animal native to the frozen north, and has earflaps that can be pulled down or folded up over the crown of the hat. When worn, an ushanka of the northlands grants its wearer a +2 resistance bonus on saving throws against cold effects and a +5 competence bonus on Survival checks. When the earflaps are pulled down, the wearer gains a +2 bonus on saving throws against sonic effects, but also takes a –2 penalty on Perception checks made to hear. Pulling the earflaps down is a move action.

Construction
Requirements Craft Wondrous Item, resistance, creator must have 5 ranks in Survival; Cost 2,250 gp

Maret's cottage is on the outskirts of Ellsprin, its just after dark by the time you return from the abandoned barn with Garen. Maret barely has room, but she's plenty of food, and insists you all stay the night, cooking up a great feast for you all.

She explains that Ellsprin is just down the road, she's just on the outskirts, and you can resupply with food in the morning. Garen plays pipes for all the children as the meal winds down, and even Giacomo and Nadya share a dance. Ten-penny and Gondork exchange an odd 'should we?' glance,

You have a chance to eat and heal up, and rest for the evening.

Maret and Nadya become friends, and Maret invites Nadya to let the twins stay with her until she finishes her obligation to you all. Garen says he's going to stick around nearby to keep an eye on both families and help protect them.

feel free to do or say whatever you want, it may change things. i'm just dishing it out in broad strokes to keep it flowing. if i misdirect , just correct.

So on the morning of the eight day of your travels, you reach the small village of Ellsprin on the shores of the Glacier Lake. Whitethrone is perhaps two days down the road. You have a chance to buy some more rations for your journey. Though the town is too small to have anything of interest beyond a few 1st level potions or scrolls if you want to inquire. But this close to Whitethrone, it might draw more ire, so you keep to yourselves, just getting rations and grain for the horses.

Nadya explains to Orm and Mjoli, that Maret will be looking after them, like their kind neighbor did in Waldsby, as the boys are more than used to their mother needing to go on trecks to support them. They stoicly hug her and kiss, but don't say goodbye.

anything else you'd like to do? or off on the final leg of your journey to Whitethrone?

I think you missed my ready for Burst of Radiance, but I don't think 4d4 is enough to knock it unconscious anyway.
Wasn't there an uncle or something who'd take care of the kids? But doesn't matter, had dance with Nadya. :D

"Garen, how come those fey abducted you? Did they want you to do something? It seemed like they thought you were on their side."

ooh, ooh. right, forgot that. but it might blind her, n then she can't run much.
reflex: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26
4d4 ⇒ (1, 4, 3, 3) = 11

that tops her out at 26 dmg ( 3dmg after fast healing +12 axe + 11 burst ). which causes her to go down. woo hoo. ok, so one less bad nasty fey in the world. she has a small rapier on her, but nothing much else of value besides some fey clothes.

Garen:
"I didn't realize how capricious and cruel they were. They took me in when i ran into them on the road, and heled me get by. When I told them my story, about how the villagers ostracized my mother for keeping me, and forced us to live on the outskirts of the village. How I ran away, since I could tell I was the reason my mother was being alienated... The quickling couple became outraged that "verminous humans" would presume to be ashamed of fey relations instead of the other way around. They made me come here, to punish the village, starting with my mother. I tried to stop them, but they overpowered me and kept me tied up in the barn. They kept saying that this would toughen me up. But it was as though their hearts were as cold as the winter snow here. "

Sweet!

T-T-tenpenny? Do you.. eh.. would you...?

Gondork nervously grins an uncertain grimace while holding out a trembling hand to Ten-penny.

the faun then plays Deep Slumber, puts you all to sleep and leaves with all of your belongings. peace out humans reads the note. ( just kidding )

"Wow, that's terrible! I'm sorry you had to endure all that, all because of something you can't help. Are you okay now? Need to vent? You can punch Gondork if you need to release some stress, I'm sure he doesn't mind."

He leans over to Gondork and whispers, "I'll heal you back up, no worries."

"I'm not a very violent faun... its ok. I'm just glad to be back home. I'm just sorry I brought all of this with me. and Mom, I'm so sorry they killed Borvald. I'll move in to the barn and fix it up, and keep an eye on you all."

Ten-Penny sees Gondork awkwardly streching out his hand, and takes a short time to think. After a moment, she responds with: "I guess a single dance doesn't hurt. You're not blind, nor near dead at the end of the day, so that does deserve a little reward. Just don't get any weird ideas, you hear!"

a whole new meaning to unconditional rewards

The next day, as Nadya clandestinely gathers provisions, and you head out, theres a sense of peace. Nadya no longer has to worry about her sons on the journey, they've got protection and are safe. She can focus on guiding you to her contact by Whitethrone. Restocked, you make better time travelling without having to constantly stop at the sign of game and hunt.

After lunch, after travelling about five hours, Arwyn, Gondork, and Nadya notice several birds hunting through the morning. First one, then two eagles sighted as you start travelling. When a third and fourth are spotted after lunch, you realize something is up, its not possibly the same birds. You think you're being hunted, and someone is possibly on your trail, coming at you from ahead, the route from whitethrone. four humanoids on skis, armed with bows.

Then you hear it. churning through snow, rushing on all fours behind you, breaking from the line of trees. at first from the distance you think its another boreal wolf. then you realize from the size of its eyes, one blue, one violet, and so clear even from the distance... its a white wolf the size of a horse. its 100 ft. behind you and closing fast. the humans ahead are perhaps 100 ft. ahead as well. Four eagles are in flight about 40 ft. up, halfway between you and the hunters. since they alert everyone, we'll skip surprise round, as you see everyone approaching, and enough of you spotted the birds to alert you to the hunter's presence. Nadya is driving her dogsled alongside your sled, driven by either ten-penny or caladan at 50 ft. per round. You'll need a handle animal or profession (driver) check DC 15 to stop suddenly, safely, or to maneuver around the hunters.
i didn't check the actual vehicle rules well. just skimmed them and approximating.

[-round 1-]
[20: nadya], [20: caladan], [19: wolf], [19: gondork], [11:ten-penny], [10: arwyn], [9: hunters], [6: giacomo]

white wolf knowledge:

I don't mind being the driver.

I don't know what type of wolf that is, but something that big does not close in to play with us...

"We might be able to set the wolf up with the incoming people from Whitetrone. Or do you want to take them both on in succession?"

I myself am for outmaneuvering them, hoping to get the wolf and the hunters to fight each other. Maybe we can stand close-by and finish of the winner (LOOT!). I'll make a handle animal check to steer the sled, you guys vote where you want to go.

Handle Animal: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

k. arcana: 1d20 + 5 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 5 + 4 = 18
"By the Vault! That's a Winter Wolf!"
caladan relays the first spoiler's info

will take out old man dansby's longbow and take a shot at the wolf
longbow: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 231d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
(4 dmg to winter wolf)

handle animal: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7
"I'm all for outmaneuvering, but right now I think its spooking my dogs, I can't do much but drive straight right now!"
doesn't crash, i think. but she can't manage to slow down or turn it. it moves forward 40 ft.

point of order: i put giacomo on the dogsled, he can be in either vehicle.

The Winter Wolf races along the snow, seeming to swiftly and likely magically move over the snow without it impeding it. charging Arwyn on the back of the sleigh
bite, charge: 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 10 + 2 = 291d8 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13 plus cold: 1d6 ⇒ 4
trip: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (14) + 12 = 26

reflex save vs falling out of the sleigh DC 10
arwyn: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21
(15 damage to Arwyn, and prone)

for the sleigh, even if you slow down, i think you'll still move forward 25 ft. this round as you have to decelerate. ten-penny rolled well enough that she could maneuver the sleigh, and move forward 50 ft. and turn a bit within a 45-degree arc, or she rolled high enough, if you want to try a dead halt, you could probably manage it.

After a night of wild dancing and wild dreams...

(Arcana), sudden insight: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 9 + 2 = 29

...Back to normal. Pesky wolves, always. Before we enter the city I'm going to tell everybody to hide in my mirror and let Nadya do the talking!

Gondork picks up up his hefty Cold iron Greataxe, and hews.

Attack roll, PA, Sudden insight: 1d20 + 7 - 1 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 7 - 1 + 2 = 26
Damage: 1d12 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10

Die, fiend!

Like a knife through butter. Hue hue.

Gondork seems like he suddenly had an epiphany, largening his eyes.

Uh-oh... Watch out everybody!! It will breathe ice over us!

Then:
At the dance, Arwyn grabbed a dance with Giacomo and even the faun Garen in celebration.

On the Trail:
She occupied her time crafting more regular arrows.
Craft:Bowyer: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

Now:
Arwyn is unable to bring her bow around in time before being knocked flat by the winter wolf.
Move: She scrambled to her feet, limping a little. (Stand up).
Knowledge check untrained: 1d20 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 1 + 2 = 22
"They're vulnerable to Fire! But save the pelt if you can! It's real valuable!" She shouted to the others.
Standard: Single shot point blank to favored enemy.
composite shortbow attack: 1d20 + 9 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 9 + 1 + 2 = 19 for a possible 1d6 + 2 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 + 1 + 2 = 7 piercing damage.

I made the first check during the initiative round, so I assumed that that would be my action during round 1. Or do I need to do something else as well?

naw, thats largely correct. driving's a full round responsibility. Caladan will take over next round. Theres not much he can do but shoot , through gondork and arwyn, unless he aims his sights at the hunters. ooh. if they all get close enough i can blistering invective everyone!

re: Mirror HIdeaway - that's only a 2nd level spel??????? holy f$++. that's just. wow.

re: ten-penny - now's when you move. did you want to go stragith? or turn a bit? or slow down?

The mirror says you can't move it or its occupants pop out again. No use for sneaking us around town. Also, like the spell says, a hand mirror isn't large enough for Small and up to enter, so we need a standing mirror if we want to hide.

(10 dmg to winter wolf from gondork)

(6 dmg to winter wolf from arwyn - its not point blank by the time the cart moves forward and you stand up, and shoot, but 50 ft. forward is good as you don't provoke twice =D)

The hunters take aim, and shoot at the drivers.
(20 dmg to ten-penny from H1)
(10 dmg to giacomo from h3)

the hunters whistle various things, and the eagles come down, attacking giacomo and caladan.
(11 dmg to caladan)
(1 dmg to giacomo)

[-round 1-]
[20: nadya], [20: caladan], [19: wolf], [19: gondork], [11:ten-penny], [10: arwyn], [9: hunters], [6: giacomo]

[-round 2-]
[20: nadya], [20: caladan], [19: wolf], [19: gondork], [11:ten-penny], [10: arwyn], [9: hunters], [6: giacomo]

try and regain control
handle animal: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
nope. still stuck going forward.

Nadya unsheathes her axe

"We're a bit hampered, driving and fighting. Pass them and then slow down so we don't have them on both sides?"

Ten penny- keep it going is a move action. accelerate/decelerate is a standard action. so based on that you may have a standard action on your turn if you're not going to accelerate/decelerate.

i take it back, zero handle animal or profession driver. just a +1 wisdom. i'll swat at the eagles, activating judgement for healing.

morningstar,pa: 1d20 + 6 - 1 ⇒ (12) + 6 - 1 = 171d8 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 3 + 2 = 7
(7 dmg to H1. its still flying. barely)

Wow, that's a lot of rolls.

"Stop the car, otherwise it'll be too difficult to cast any spells!"

Don't think supernatural abilities require concentration, but I think that's the most useful thing to do right now. Also, whee, car chase! :D

Channel Energy: 2d6 ⇒ (5, 2) = 7

I'd like to do this before Nadya makes her move and we shoot ahead of the rest. Also, I think a number fell away from my damage total, but I see I'm damaged for 10.